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Occupational Noise Exposure and Cardiovascular Function and Lipid Profile in the Garment Industry in Egypt: A
Reham Ibraheem1, Ayman Fahim2, Samar Mosaad Gaafar2
1Department of Public Health, Community Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt. rehambibraheem@med.suez.edu.eg.
Objectives:
Occupational noise exposure is a widespread hazard across multiple industries. However, the association between occupational noise exposure and cardiovascular health outcomes remains inconclusive. This study aimed to compare cardiovascular function between workers exposed and unexposed to occupational noise and to compare lipid profiles between these groups.
Methods:
A Comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in a denim garment manufacturing facility in Ismailia, Egypt. Two equal groups of workers exposed to occupational noise (≥85 A-weighted decibels; dB[A] for ≥3 years, n=213) and unexposed workers (<85 dB[A], n=213) were recruited using systematic sampling, but three unexposed workers dropped out. Data collection included structured interviews, clinical examinations, 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG), blood pressure measurements, and laboratory lipid profile analyses. Noise exposure was assessed using both environmental and personal integrated sound level meters. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictors of ECG abnormalities.
Results:
The mean ages of the noise-exposed and unexposed groups were 34.5±9.8 years and 33.3±7.7 years, respectively, and females accounted for 67.6% and 66.2% of the groups, respectively. Noise-exposed workers had significantly higher pulse pressure, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and prevalence of dyslipidemia (59.2 vs. 48.6%, p<0.05). ECG abnormalities were more prevalent in the noise-exposed group than in the unexposed group (30.0 vs. 8.1%, p<0.001), with P mitrale and right bundle branch block being the most frequent findings. Duration of noise exposure, personal noise level, age, and systolic blood pressure were independent predictors of ECG abnormalities. Body mass index and duration of noise exposure were significant predictors of dyslipidemia.
Conclusions:
Chronic occupational noise exposure was associated with elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and ECG abnormalities. Longer duration and higher intensity of noise exposure were also associated with increased cardiovascular risk indicators. These findings support workplace noise-control measures, periodic cardiovascular screening, and improved use of personal protective equipment in similar garment manufacturing settings.
